New York State Excelsior Program

What is the Excelsior Program?

New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced the concept of “free tuition” at public institutions, effective Fall 2017, for students who are New York state residents and U.S. citizens who demonstrate family incomes of less than $125,000. But there’s a catch. In order to receive “free tuition” students must:

Maintain a minimum GPA—or they will lose the grant.

Complete 30 credits per year—or they will lose the grant.

Graduate in four years—or they will lose the grant.

Live and work in New York state after graduation for as many years as they receive the grant—if not, they’ll be required to repay the grant. In essence, the grant becomes a loan.

And if the funding runs short? Students may be denied the free tuition grant altogether. A state-run lottery will decide who receives the grant, forcing many eligible families to be turned away.

What You Need to Consider

Scholarships and grants are important and we know that.

Adelphi awards financial aid to 95 percent of its full-time undergraduates* and the average financial aid package in Fall 2017 was $21,500 Awarding more than $67 million in institutional aid, Adelphi is committed to affordability. Beginning in fall 2018, Adelphi will offer the Enhanced Assistance Grant which is available to assist eligible full-time undergraduate students, both new and continuing, by supplementing our already generous scholarship and grant awards. The award amount is $3,000 per year and is renewable each year as long as the eligibility criteria continue to be met.

When comparing costs, compare total costs—not just the cost of tuition.

“Free tuition” does not cover the costs of fees, room and board. You’ll likely find that the final out-of-pocket cost at Adelphi may be quite comparable, given the generous financial aid packages we offer.

There are no strings attached with Adelphi’s scholarships—as long as you keep your grades strong.

You will have access to small classes and to passionate professors, mentoring and the high-impact learning opportunities needed for your career success. And the best part? You can work wherever you’d like after graduation. We care about your happiness and success.

Adelphi’s mission—to transform the lives of students through a personalized approach—makes an Adelphi education well worth the cost.

Strong graduation rates, low loan default rates, high graduate average salaries and small class sizes matter. Adelphi will give you the tools you need to succeed.

*As of Fall 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

The Excelsior Scholarship offers “conditional and unguaranteed free tuition.” What does that mean?

Students who are New York state residents and U.S. citizens, and who demonstrate family incomes less than $125,000, are considered eligible for the award. (This will be a phased-in approach: eligibility will extend to families with incomes up to $100,000 in year one, Fall 2017; $110,000 in year two, Fall 2018; and $125,000 in year three, Fall 2019). There are stipulations required to receive “free tuition,” including:

Minimum GPA

Minimum course load of 30 credits per year (full time)

Graduation in four years

If the above requirements are not met at any point, the student loses all eligibility for the award.

Additionally, students must commit to residing and working in New York state after graduation for as long as they received the grant (e.g., if a student receives the Excelsior Award for four years, he or she must reside and work in New York for at least four years). If a student fails to uphold this agreement, the grant must be repaid in its entirety (essentially converting to a loan).

Is this grant guaranteed for all students with family incomes under $125,000?

No. There is only $87 million of funding behind this grant program. If more students are eligible than total funding supports, the state will turn to a lottery-based system to determine who receives the grant, forcing many eligible families to be turned away. As we understand it, currently enrolled students will receive priority consideration over new freshmen or transfer students.

Does this grant cover all costs for students attending SUNY or CUNY institutions?

No. This grant only covers tuition costs. Fees, room and board charges are all extra and will be the student’s responsibility to pay. Other incidental expenses, such as textbooks and travel, will also be the student’s responsibility to pay.

Does this affect a student’s eligibility for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)?

No. TAP will be kept separate. The application process will remain the same and award amounts will not change. TAP awards can range from $500 to $5,165, depending on a variety of factors, such as family income.

What about additional grants for students who decide to attend private colleges? Do those exist?

Under the new legislation, the Enhanced Tuition Award was created. In order to receive this award, private colleges and universities must opt in to this program. If a private college opts in, it must freeze tuition for the recipient throughout the length of time the student is receiving the award. Colleges must also commit to matching the award dollar for dollar, through Institutional Scholarship or Grant awards.

The maximum Enhanced Tuition Award is $3,000 (and, when coupled with any TAP award and required institutional scholarship or grant, the maximum award totals $6,000). The combination of institutional, state and other awards designated for tuition only cannot exceed tuition.

This award is funded by limited state dollars, so eligibility will be limited. Similar to the Excelsior Award, if more students are eligible than total funding supports, the state will turn to a lottery-based system to determine who receives the grant.

Will Adelphi be participating in the Enhanced Tuition Award program?

Adelphi appreciates the intent of New York State’s ETA program and the governor’s focus on affordability—it is something we take seriously. To maximize affordability for our students, the University has decided to opt in to the program for the 18-19 year, allowing interested students to apply through the state for eligibility. Students can review the application and restrictions on the HESC site.

Additionally, effective Fall 2018, Adelphi will offer the Enhanced Assistance Grant – a generous and flexible grant program customized and personalized for qualified new and continuing Adelphi students.

So why should a student choose Adelphi if offered “free tuition” at a SUNY or CUNY institution?

Affordability is top of mind at Adelphi University. We are committed to making an investment in Adelphi pay off for students. Our mission—to transform each student’s life through our personalized approach—makes an Adelphi education well worth the cost. Our students and their families have access to top-notch financial counseling and resources for timely degree completion.

Payscale has rated Adelphi graduates in the top third in the nation for salaries within one year of graduation. And 92 percent of our graduates are either working or in graduate school, within that same time period.

Students have access to small classes, passionate professors, mentoring and the high-impact learning opportunities needed for career success.

Adelphi graduates are working in every industry, all over New York and the nation, and many alumni mentor graduates and offer internships and careers. This is the kind of personal attention that has helped Adelphi’s students achieve their personal and professional goals.

Students have a transformative and personalized journey waiting for them right here at Adelphi University.

What if I’m a current Adelphi student? What does it mean for me?

We are committed to making your investment in Adelphi pay off. Our mission is to transform your life through a personalized approach to your education. During your time here, you are guaranteed small classes, passionate professors, mentoring and high-impact learning opportunities that will help you graduate and achieve career success.

We know that financing your college career is very important to you and may be overwhelming at times. That’s why we give you unlimited access to top-notch financial counseling and resources for degree completion. Our Office of Student Financial Services is happy to assist you as best as possible.

Soon, you’ll join the 90,000+ Adelphi alumni throughout the world. You’ll join our graduates as some of the highest paid alumni in the nation (we rank in the top third nationwide according to Payscale). And we’ll be here for you every step of the way.

That’s our promise.

Need to know more?

For more about the conditions and limitations of the New York State Excelsior Program, please visit LimitlessLearningNY.